Danette E. Sheppard-Vaughn

Danette E. Sheppard-Vaughn, the first featured female vocalist in the 147-year history of Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Here I am honored to be the Ringmaster of Omnium Circus.

Danette was born on January 16th at the former Sydenham Hospital in New York City. She enjoys cooking, listening to music, dancing, swimming, socializing with family and friends, and internet technology. She loves bright colors and anything glittery and sparkling.  Danette has always put a great deal of effort into her goals, as evidenced by her graduation cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Music (Musical Theater) from New Jersey City University. A native New Yorker, and current member of Actor’s Equity Association, Danette began singing at the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem at the age of 14. Since making her professional debut, she has amassed an impressive list of musical theater credits, including sharing the stage with legends like Patti LaBelle, Freda Payne, and Debbie Gibson, just to name a few; a three-month European tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Girl/Mary u/s), a tour of the musical revue Smokey Joe’s Café with Gladys Knight, a leading role in the Off-Broadway production of Red Hot Broadway starring BJ Crosby, and regional theater productions of Pippin (Berthe), In the Heights (Abuela), Sister Act (Mother Superior), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Jewel), The Last Session (Tryshia), Chicago (Mama Morton), Nunsense (Sister Mary Herbert), and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell, for which she was awarded the Connecticut Critics Circle Award). Danette is a recent widow and has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Bree (her pride and joy), who sings and performs as well. “I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful family. They are so supportive and loving and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done for me.” Mamie E. Sheppard, Danette’s late maternal grandmother truly believed that even with limited financial means (Grant Projects in Harlem), anyone and everyone can be a success in their lives and make their dreams come true with hard work and determination. Danette is a prime example of that. To connect with Danette, follow her @dazzlingdanette on IG, FB and TikTok